The rest of the world will soon be catching up with me, and meteorologists everywhere, as autumn finally takes over.

With the fall season comes a plethora of community activities that celebrate the waning days of outdoor fun and pleasant temperatures as we try to milk every last possible minute of enjoyment — en plein air.

Vernon Hills began its new autumn tradition several years ago with an Oktoberfest event. It has grown in size and popularity each year. Besides being one of the first fall festivals on the calendar, it is kid-friendly and easy to navigate.

I’ve run into many old friends from long-ago school days there, catching up and comparing notes and pics of the grandkids. This year the event is Saturday, Sept. 22 from 3 to 10 p.m. at the Metra station. Whether you spend the entire evening, or simply pop over for an hour, it’s sure to get you into the unique cozy autumn mood.

I’m a big Lambs Farm lover. It’s my go-to place for our smaller grandchildren when we want to take them on an outing but aren’t ready to handle the crowds and intensity of larger venues. They operate in some form most of the year, but at this time of year they have their Fall on the Farm weekend.

Happening this year during the weekend of Sept. 29-30, the event offers all their usual activities plus pumpkin painting and other autumn-themed crafts. Fees are involved, depending on which activities selected, but it’s a wonderful setting and fun experience that both young and old can share and enjoy.

Heading east a bit, one of our family’s favorite gatherings is the Highwood Pumpkin Festival. If you’ve never been there, believe me when I tell you that the sight of what seems like hundreds of rows of lit pumpkins, a virtual wall of jack-o-lanterns stacked at least a dozen high and with every facial expression imaginable, is unforgettable.

This year, the fest is Oct. 5-7 and will again this year attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most pumpkins carved and lit at once. There is a small admission fee, but proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Illinois, so you can do a total pumpkin immersion experience and do some good at the same time.

Haunted houses are definitely not my cup of tea. I freak out if someone sneaks up behind me, much less bloodied zombies jumping out of dark corners screeching in my face. But there’s certainly a strong public love for being scared silly, and the big bazooka of them all has to be Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America.

Scare yourself into a heart attack if you must, from mid September through Oct. 28, mostly weekends with a a Monday holiday thrown in. Somebody better warn the ER departments in the area to have the defibrillators ready.